New Japanese Onsen Opening At Jurong With Zen Garden & Cafe Serving Hokkaido Milk Desserts & Drinks
No amount of local sakura-themed experiences, Kyoto-style coffeehouses, and oozy $3 uji matcha buns in Singapore will ever sate our thirst for all things Japan-related, and with the pandemic and its travel restrictions, we’re even more deprived of what the land of sushi has to offer. But soon, we’ll have a new Nippon-style attraction to let off some steam at - Joya Onsen Cafe at Jurong.
This traditional Japanese onsen in Singapore will not only have public and private bathhouses, but also a cafe serving sushi and Hokkaido milk drinks and desserts. And great news for night owls - they open till 2am on weekends!
P.S.: You'll also like this lesser-known hotel at Dhoby Ghaut that resembles Japan's famous MUJI hotel!
Read on to find out more about Joya Onsen Cafe in Singapore!
Photo from Joya Onsen Cafe Singapore
While there are other Japanese-style spas in Singapore such as Elements Wellness and Yunomori Onsen & Spa, they’re mostly semi-modern. Joya Onsen Cafe, on the other hand, looks like the real deal from the get-go, with an entrance that resembles that of an actual ryokan in Japan complete with wooden furnishing, traditional lanterns, and what looks to be bonsai trees.
At present, Joya Onsen Cafe is still undergoing construction and renovation, but they’ve already posted 3D renderings of what the place is expected to look like. Here’s a mini virtual tour of their premises ahead of their grand opening, which will probably be in July 2021.
- Joya Onsen Cafe bathhouse -
Photo from Joya Onsen Cafe Singapore
Yup, it’s as authentic as it gets here. Just like in the onsens in Japan, Joya Onsen Cafe has gender-separated baths where you’ll be hopping into the toasty water completely in the buff. There are also shower stations - sans doors - where you’ll have to clean yourself before taking the plunge.
Not up for “boiling” in hot water when the weather is already scorching? They also have ice baths which are sure to be super refreshing!
Photo from Joya Onsen Cafe Singapore
Prices for onsen entry start from $38 for adults. If you’re too shy to bare it all in front of strangers or prefer to have some private time with your partner *wink wink*, you can opt for a private onsen session from $35 per person (depending on the number of people in your group) which also comes with access to the public baths.
Photo from Joya Onsen Cafe Singapore
- Joya Onsen Cafe zen garden -
Photo from Joya Onsen Cafe Singapore
Based on the artist's impression shots, Joya Onsen Cafe’s zen garden will have bamboo trees, a ceiling painted to look like the sky, and a little seating area where you can catch a short rest.
- Joya Onsen Cafe eatery -
Photo from Joya Onsen Cafe Singapore
Soaking for hours is sure to work up an appetite, so head over to Joya Onsen Cafe’s dining space after your onsen session to grab a bite. You can either pick regular cafe tables and chairs, bar stools facing the window, or traditional tatami-style floor seating.
Photo from Joya Onsen Cafe Singapore
Round paper lanterns hanging from the ceiling give a matsuri-like ambience and add colour to the otherwise minimalist decor.
- Joya Onsen Cafe food menu -
Photo from Joya Onsen Cafe Singapore
The cafe serves a selection of sushi sets from a reasonable $9 for those seeking a full meal. This includes both raw and cooked options like the Aburi Salmon & Futi Maki ($13.50) and Spicy Salmon Maki ($10.20). Feeling like a baller? Go all out with the Fresh Salmon Sashimi ($22.20, 10 pieces).
Photo from Joya Onsen Cafe Singapore
Or, cool down with an icy cold Japanese-style parfait (from $8.80) in fruity flavours like strawberry and banana, all made using Hokkaido milk. Mini versions are available from $5.40, as are single scoops of Strawberry Condensed Milk Ice Cream and Hokkaido Honey Milk Ice Cream ($3.40 each).
Photo from Joya Onsen Cafe Singapore
There are also affordably-priced beverages like Green Tea ($3), Hokkaido Milkshake ($3.50), and Hokkaido Milk Honey Green Tea ($4). Sugar levels are customisable, and white pearls or aloe vera can be added on for $0.70.
Check out Joya Onsen Cafe’s full menu here.
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Joya Onsen Cafe is a less-than-10-minute walk from Joo Koon MRT station. No specific opening date has been stated, but if all goes well and further restrictions don’t get put into place, they’ll likely be welcoming guests in July 2021. Watch this space for further updates!
Joya Onsen Cafe
Address: #01-06, 511 Upper Jurong Road, Singapore 638366
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 10am - 11.50pm | Saturday & Sunday: 10am - 2am
Telephone: 8847 2081
Website
More Japanese-style fun in Singapore:
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Text by: GirlStyle SG
